Paul Ackinclose, Cr Kathy Duff, Brett Enkelmann, Mayor Wayne Kratzmann
Paul Ackinclose, Cr Kathy Duff, Brett Enkelmann and Mayor Wayne Kratzmann at the Flood Appeal cheque hand-over; donations are now flowing to South Burnett farmers

April 18, 2013

The Mayor’s Red Earth South Burnett Flood Appeal has approved its first round of applications to assist primary producers.

“It’s great to see the money that’s been raised start to filter out to our farmers,” SBRC Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said today.

“The Red Earth Flood Appeal committee met last week and approved nine applications of $500 each.

“They will now meet weekly to continue to assess the applications.”

Brett Enkelmann was one of the first farmers to receive funds from the Flood Appeal.

“We only just found out that the funds were available. We put in an application and it all happened very quickly. We were surprised by how simple and fast the process was,” he said.

The objective of the Flood Appeal is to donate local, support local, shop local and sustain local.

Eligible applicants must be an agriculture-related business and all funds must be spent at a nominated South Burnett business.

“We chose Ackinclose Plumbing to spend our South Burnett dollars with, as we lost a lot of irrigation during the floods. One of the pumps we lost is worth $12,000, so any money helps us get back on out feet,” Mr Enkelmann said.

“Hopefully we can get the farm back into a situation where it can earn us some money again, once the weather returns to normal.

“But we really want to say thank you to those who donated to the appeal.

“It is greatly appreciated, and it’s really good to know we have community support through this period.” .

Mayor Kratzmann is encouraging farming flood victims to apply as quickly as possible.

“The Flood Appeal Committee have simplified the process for the funds to be released. Applicants only have to complete a simple, one page application and I encourage any farmer affected by the floods to apply.”

The Flood Appeal guidelines and application form are available on the Council’s website and on the Red Earth website.

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